Gift bag with built-in decorative topper/closure

ABSTRACT

An all-in-one gift bag with decorative closure built in to the bag is disclosed. My invention should reduce the cost to the consumer because there is no need to buy tissue paper separately anymore. It will also save the consumer time because they won&#39;t have to shop the aisle for multiple items.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/869,083, which was filed on Aug. 23, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container for gifts. More particularly, the invention relates to a gift bag with a closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As an alternative to using wrapping paper to cover a gift, it has become popular to place gifts into a gift bag because the gift bag avoids the challenges associated with cutting the wrapping paper to the correct size of the gift, accurately positioning gift on the wrapping paper and then using tape or glue to secure the wrapping paper over the gift.

Currently, consumers have to purchase multiple items to complete a gift bag. Often, there is excess tissue paper left over which is not used and therefore it is not cost effective for the consumer.

The problem with the current gift bag system is you have to buy more than you need. It also takes more time to find exactly what you are looking for because the consumer has to try to match the color of the tissue paper to the gift bag. It also creates more mess for the recipient of the gift bag.

My invention should reduce the cost to the consumer because there is no need to buy tissue paper separately. It will also save the consumer time because they won't have to shop the aisle for multiple items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a gift packaging system that includes a gift bag, a closure mechanism and a decorative portion. The gift bag has a plurality of wall panels that define an enclosure having an opening. The closure mechanism is attached to one of the wall panels. The closure mechanism is movable between a storage configuration and an extended configuration and wherein when the closure mechanism is in the extended configuration, the closure mechanism at least partially covers the opening. The decorative portion is operably attached to the closure mechanism for movement between a storage configuration and an extended configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gift bag according to an embodiment of the invention where the gift bag and a closure mechanism associated therewith are in a storage configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 1 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in the storage configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 1 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 1 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in a fully open configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gift bag according to another embodiment of the invention where the gift bag and a closure mechanism associated therewith are in a storage configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 5 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in the storage configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 5 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gift bag of FIG. 5 where the gift bag is in the open configuration and the closure mechanism is in a fully open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, currently consumers have to purchase multiple items to complete a gift bag. Often, there is excess tissue paper left over which is not used and therefore it is not cost effective for the consumer. The invention claimed here solves this problem.

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a gift bag 10 having a closure mechanism 12 associated therewith, as illustrated in the figures. At least a portion of the closure mechanism 12 is attached to the gift bag 10. The invention thereby avoids the need to purchase tissue paper or other products to cover the gift that is placed in the gift bag. The invention thereby provides a quick gifting solution without any excess or mess.

My invention should reduce the cost to the consumer because there is no need to purchase tissue paper. My invention will also save consumers time because they won't have to shop the aisle for multiple items, or create the bag decoration while trying to conceal the gift. Additionally, my invention easily allows for reuse since the decorative closure mechanism is not destroyed during the opening process in contrast to tissue paper, which often gets damaged either while the gift is being opened or while being stored prior to reuse.

In one embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a gift bag 10 is formed by folding paper or other materials into a desired shape. The gift bag 10 may include a base 20 to which side panels 22 are attached to form an enclosure having an opening.

A person of skill in the art will appreciate that the gift bag 10 may include a variety of shapes and sizes based upon the shape and size of the gift that is intended to be placed in the gift bag 10. In certain embodiments, the base 20 and the side panels each have a generally rectangular shape.

The gift bag 10 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. In certain embodiments, the gift bag 10 is fabricated from paper, which permits the gift bag to fold from an extended configuration (FIG. 2) to a storage configuration (FIG. 1).

At least a portion of an outer surface of the gift bag 10 may have a color and/or a design that enhances the aesthetics of the gift bag 10. It is also possible that at least a portion of an inner surface of the gift bag 10 may have a color and/or a design that further enhances the aesthetics of the gift bag 10.

The closure mechanism 12 is attached to one of the side panels 22 so that the closure mechanism 12 is movable between a storage configuration (FIG. 2) and an extended configuration (FIG. 3). The closure mechanism 12 may be integrally attached to the side panel 22 or the closure mechanism 12 may be attached to the side panel 22 using a fastener or an adhesive.

When the closure mechanism 12 is in the storage configuration, the closure mechanism 12 may be substantially adjacent to the side panel 22 a to which the closure mechanism 12 is attached to facilitate placing the gift into the gift bag 10.

When the closure mechanism 12 is in the extended configuration, the closure mechanism 12 covers at least a portion of the gift bag opening. In certain embodiments, the closure mechanism 12 substantially covers the gift bag opening when in the extended position.

A first handle 30 is attached to closure mechanism 12. The first handle 30 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. Examples of such materials include ribbon and string. An example of one technique that can be used to attach the first handle 30 to the closure mechanism 12 is forming a hole in the closure mechanism 12 and then tying a knot in the material that is used to fabricate the first handle 30.

When the closure mechanism 12 is in the extended configuration, at least a portion of the first handle 30 may extend through an opening 32 formed in the gift bag 10, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, the opening 32 is formed in the side panel 22 b that is opposite the side panel 22 a to which the closure mechanism 12 is attached.

A reinforcing mechanism (not shown) may be placed proximate at least a portion of the opening 32 to reduce the potential of the opening 32 becoming damaged when the first handle 30 is used to lift the gift bag 10. An example of one suitable reinforcing mechanism is an additional layer of paper that is adhered to the side panel 22 b around at least a portion of the opening 32.

Extending the first handle 30 through the opening 32 thereby facilitates retaining the closure mechanism 12 in the extended configuration. It is also possible to use a fastener such as hoop and loop (VELCRO), tape or snaps to retain the closure mechanism 12 in the extended configuration.

The first handle 30 may also be used to lift the gift bag 10. A second handle 34 may be attached to the side panel 22 a to which the closure mechanism 12 is attached. The second handle 34 can be used in conjunction with the first handle 30 when lifting the gift bag 10. The second handle 34 may be fabricated from a material that is similar to the material from which the first handle 30 is formed. In certain embodiments, the first handle 30 and the second handle 34 may be interconnected. An example of one technique that can be used to attach the second handle 34 to the side panel 22 a is forming a hole in the side panel 22 a and then tying a knot in the material that is used to fabricate the second handle 34.

The closure mechanism 12 may also include a decorative portion 40 that can be extended therefrom. The decorative portion 40 thereby increases the aesthetic appeal of the invention. In certain embodiments, the decorative portion 40 is movable between a storage configuration (FIG. 3) and an extended configuration (FIG. 4).

The decorative portion 40 may assume a variety of configurations using the concepts of the invention. In certain embodiments, the decorative portion 40 is fabricated from folded tissue paper or paper that provides an attractive appearance when in the extended configuration.

An alternative embodiment of the gift bag 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. Unless otherwise indicated, the structure of this embodiment is similar to the structure of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

The decorative portion 40 on the closure mechanism 12 moves between the storage configuration (FIG. 6) and the extended configuration (FIG. 8) as the closure mechanism 12 is moved from the storage configuration and the extended configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates the closure mechanism 12 at an intermediate position between the storage configuration and the extended configuration where the decorative portion 40 is at an intermediate portion between the storage configuration and the extended configuration.

In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill. 

1. A gift packaging system comprising: a gift bag having a plurality of wall panels that define an enclosure having an opening; and a closure mechanism that is attached to one of the wall panels, wherein the closure mechanism is movable between a storage configuration and an extended configuration and wherein when the closure mechanism is in the extended configuration, the closure mechanism at least partially covers the opening; and a decorative portion that is operably attached to the closure mechanism for movement between a storage configuration and an extended configuration. 